The biz's brightest new talents tell their stories. This week it's the turn of Independent Venue Week's Charlie Rickard.
What do you love most about the music business?
“From a live perspective, there is no better feeling than a packed room when the band or artist are firing on all cylinders! The buzz that I get from being involved in this, in any capacity, keeps me going. On a whole, being able to work in the music business is something I never take for granted. I’ve been very fortunate that I can earn a living from following my passion. I’ve made some life-long friends from all different areas of the business.”
And what frustrates you the most about it?
“Independent/DIY artists being overlooked by major labels and budgets being slashed by management/labels that leads to crew being exploited and working for very little money. I think on a whole the industry needs to understand how vital independent venues are in any artist or band’s career. That’s where you cut your teeth and learn your craft. There are no shortcuts.”
What’s your proudest achievement so far?
“Getting to travel around the country for Independent Venue Week 2019 was certainly a highlight this year. To meet venue owners and operators up and down the country and see the impact these venues have on the community was humbling. After months of planning, it felt like a real achievement.”
How is the planning going for Independent Venue Week 2020?
“Preparations are going really well already. We’ve got some incredible things in the pipeline for next year. We’ve also just staged Independent Venue Week for the second time in the US, which went incredibly well. Plus, we recently started doing a monthly Independent Venue Week show on Acid Jazz’s new Totally Wired Radio station. That has been a laugh and it’s great fun to play music from everyone on the team’s record collections – it makes for an interesting mix! It’s important to stress that Independent Venue Week may be the name, but we have a presence and activity all year round.”
What’s your ultimate ambition in the music industry?
“As boring as it sounds, I don’t really have a particular ultimate goal. As long as I’m working I’m happy. I wouldn’t rule out touring again though. On the road I had to learn a lot very quickly.”
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